Discover why axial flux motors are the ideal choice for drones and eVTOLs. High power density, 10kW/kg performance, and redundancy for electric aviation.

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Why Axial Flux Motors are the Perfect Choice for Drones and eVTOLs?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), the propulsion system is the single most critical factor determining a flight platform's viability. For CTOs and aerospace engineers, the challenge is clear: achieve maximum lift and range while adhering to the most unforgiving weight budgets in engineering.

At Beyond Motors, we have seen the industry shift away from traditional radial designs. The axial flux motor has emerged as the definitive solution for the next generation of high-payload drones and electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Here is why this architecture is the gold standard for flight.

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1. Unmatched Power-to-Weight Ratio (The 10 kW/kg Frontier)

In aviation, every gram of propulsion weight is a gram stolen from payload or battery capacity. Traditional radial motors often reach a "weight wall" where adding more power requires significantly more iron and copper mass.

• The Axial Advantage: Our Beyond Motors AXM series leverages a "pancake" geometry that utilizes a much higher percentage of its copper windings to generate torque. This results in a power density that can reach up to 10 kW/kg.
• The Impact: For a multi-rotor eVTOL, switching to axial flux can reduce the total propulsion mass by up to 50% compared to radial counterparts, directly translating into increased flight time or higher passenger capacity.

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2. Superior Continuous Power and Thermal Stability

Take-off and landing are the most energy-intensive phases of flight, demanding massive bursts of torque. However, sustained cruising requires a motor that can shed heat efficiently without "derating" its performance.

• Direct Cooling Path: As detailed in our Axial Flux Motor Performance and Efficiency Showdown, the flat surface of the axial stator allows for much more effective cooling. Beyond Motors’ patent-pending water cooling system pulls heat directly from the windings, allowing our motors to maintain a high continuous power output.
• Safety in Cruise: Most aviation motors advertise "Peak" power that lasts only seconds. We focus on Continuous Power Density, ensuring that your aircraft remains thermally stable throughout the entire flight profile, from high-torque lift to long-duration cruise.

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3. Redundancy and Reliability: Mission-Critical Standards

For manned eVTOLs and high-value cargo drones, a single point of failure is not an option. Beyond Motors addresses this with two critical architectural features:

• Double Winding (Redundancy Option): Our AXM motors can be configured with dual independent UVW phases. This means that if one controller or winding fails, the motor continues to operate at 50% power—providing a vital "limp-home" capability.
• Stackable Architecture: Engineering for different aircraft sizes often requires entirely new motor designs. With our stackable design, you can double or triple-stack rotors to scale power from 75 kW to over 1.2 MW while keeping the same motor diameter, simplifying airframe integration and R&D.

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The Verdict: Engineering the Future of Flight

The physics are undeniable: the shorter magnetic path and superior diameter-to-length ratio of axial flux motors make them the only choice for the EV technology of the future in the skies. Whether you are developing a tactical UAV or a city-spanning air taxi, the propulsion system will define your aircraft's performance limits.

Before finalizing your powertrain procurement, it is essential to understand how these metrics integrate into your specific airframe. We recommend reviewing the Top 7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing an Axial Flux Motor to ensure your thermal and torque requirements are met.

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Get Your Flight Data Now

Ready to see the specific performance curves for your flight mission? Use our technical tools to input your required RPM and torque to receive a tailored data sheet.

Design your flight powertrain with the Beyond Motors Configurator

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